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Kuo Hsing-chun receives prize money for breaking world record

Taiwanese weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun received NT$1 million (US$32,997) from the Minister of Education Pan Wen-chung on Tuesday for breaking a Clean and Jerk world record a day earlier.

On Monday, Kuo took the lead with a Snatch of 107 kilograms and then, after having already clinched a Gold medal, nailed a Clean and Jerk of 142 kg on her final lift of the night to break the world record of 141 kg set by Qiu Hongmei of China in April 2007 during the Asian Weightlifting Championships.

For the Gold medal win, she will be awarded another NT$900,000.

Kuo teared up when receiving the NT$1 million award along with her coach Lin Jing-neng, saying “it was the people of Taiwan who helped me lift 142 kilograms.”

The Gold medalist made a similar remark during the competition on Monday, calling her fans “the mat that gave me strength” after she forgot to bring the mat she usually uses during competitions.

Kuo said she views weightlifting as a coach, a parent and a friend through which she continues to search for the meaning of life.

Kuo, who is a decorated weightlifter, has previously donated her winnings to her former high school in Taitung County and once bought an ambulance for Taitung Hospital.

She chose to donate an ambulance after a weightlifting injury in 2014 left her wheelchair-bound for a month. Kuo said the accident allowed her to better understand how people feel when waiting for an ambulance.

Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, she is now giving back to her community and will once again be donating her prize from this most recent win to help children in need, Kuo said.

She cites her coach as the one who has taught her the importance of being thankful and continues to express her gratitude by giving back to the local community.

Source: CNA, Focus Taiwan News Channel